NJ gas station’s tanks were nearly 80% water
CAMDEN — The tanks at a gas station where at least 18 vehicles stalled out Sunday night contained nearly 80% water, according to one of two samples tested by the city.
Drivers pulled over along Admiral Wilson Boulevard Sunday night after filling up at the Conoco station. It's the same station shut down by the city after 39 drivers broke down with water in the tank after filling up in January.
The city's Office of Licensing and Inspection has shut the station down and is working to determine the exact violations and fines.
"There is a good chance the fines and penalties could be increased. It is suspected there was some type of monitoring failure but that is still under investigation," city spokesman Vincent Basara told Townsquare Media.
Sample 1 from the tanks contained 63.96% water. Sample 2 contained 78.64% water, according to Basara.
The Conoco will stay closed until recommended steps are taken and it passes state and city inspections.
ALSO READ: NJ gas station customers stalled out again by tainted gas
Heavy rain likely seeped into tanks
As in January, the contamination is likely the result of heavy rain seeping into the tanks. An inch of rain fell in the Camden area Saturday night and Sunday morning, according to WPG Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow.
The owner of the Conoco was fined approximately $25,0000 as a result of the first violation.
Anyone who purchased fuel from this location and may have been impacted by the contaminated fuel should contact the City of Camden Division of Weights & Measures at 856-757- 7131.
A New Jersey 101.5 listener whose car broke down after fueling up Sunday night said her car was towed to an auto repair shop in Pennsauken. A mechanic told her that cars damaged in January remained at the garage but was hopeful her own car would be ready by Friday.
Big Joe's favorite Irish pubs in New Jersey
Gallery Credit: Big Joe Jenry
LOOK: Popular NJ state park campground closed for the 2024 season
Gallery Credit: Mike Brant